Red Bull junior Dan Ticktum to race in Asian F3 Winter Series

Dan Ticktum will seek to add to his superlicence points tally by racing in the FIA Asian F3 Winter Series.

Red Bull junior driver Dan Ticktum was linked with the second available Toro Rosso seat for 2019 but, ultimately, didn’t become a serious contender for it as a result of not having enough points on his FIA Superlicence; a requirement to race in Formula 1.

Those two Toro Rosso seats are now filled by Alex Albon and the returning Daniil Kvyat but, with the future in mind, Red Bull have entered the F3 European Series runner-up into the winter series with Hitech GP. Taking place over three triple-header races, Ticktum will have the possibility of gaining enough points on his Superlicence should he finish in the top four in the championship.

Having won the prestigious F3 race in Macau at the end of November, Ticktum says he’s fully aware that entry into this series is purely with the intent of gaining the necessary points: “I’m really looking forward to taking part in something I haven’t driven a lot at new circuits. The main reason is to get my hands on some superlicence points. I will, however, benefit from extra track time over the winter at two prestigious circuits so, overall, I’m really looking forward to getting started!”

It’s an important step for Ticktum. Now knocking on the door of F1 after a year battling with eventual F3 Champion Mick Schumacher, gaining the necessary points would mean pressure on the shoulders of both Kvyat & Albon if they find themselves underperforming as the season goes on.

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